Calvin Valentine from Hollyoaks played by Ricky WhittleFirst it was announced that Jamie Lomas and Chris Fountain were leaving Hollyoaks, but now they could be joined by a number of fellow cast mates.

According to reports, 10 more characters may face the chop.

Axed actors could include show favourites Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine) and Jennifer Metcalf (Mercedes McQueen).

Word is that new producer Lucy Allan wants to give Hollyoaks a new lease of life by radically shaking up the show.

The rumours haven't gone down well and a cast member told the News Of The World: "It's a nightmare. Everyone's character is under scrutiny and there will be around ten changes so a lot of people are looking over their shoulders."

No names have been confirmed apparently but nobody is safe. The cut backs begin in April and will continue until contracts run out in October.

The source said: "Everyone's keeping their head down and doing their best in the hope they’ll be saved from the chop."

A spokesperson from the soap told us: "There are no planned cutbacks for Hollyoaks. The nature of the show is that people come and go."

Find out when Hollyoaks is showing on TV.